The Harappan settlement of Shortughai, probably set up to obtain lapis lazuli, is located in:

Shortughai is a Harappan settlement in northern Afghanistan, near the confluence of the Kokcha river and the Amu Darya (Oxus).

About Shortughai:

• It was discovered and excavated by French archaeologists, led by Henri-Paul Francfort, in the 1970s.
• It is the northernmost known Harappan site, far from the main Harappan region.
• It contains typical Harappan objects, such as pottery, seals, bricks of standard Harappan proportions, beads, and weights.

Why it was set up:

• It is located close to Badakhshan, the main source of lapis lazuli, a precious blue stone that was highly valued in ancient times.
• NCERT suggests that the Harappans set up this settlement to obtain lapis lazuli, and possibly also tin and other materials, and to trade with Central Asia.
• Lapis lazuli was used to make beads and ornaments.
• Canals for irrigation have been found near the site.

Harappan trade with other regions:

• The Harappans traded with Mesopotamia (Iraq), the Persian Gulf (Bahrain, called "Dilmun" in ancient texts), and Oman (called "Magan").
• Harappan seals, beads and other objects have been found in these regions.

Important Harappan sites outside India:

• Pakistan: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, Amri, Ganweriwala, Sutkagen Dor.
• Afghanistan: Shortughai, Mundigak (related to earlier cultures).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Iran and Turkmenistan had other Bronze Age cultures that traded with the Harappans.
• ✗Pakistan has most of the major Harappan cities, but Shortughai is in Afghanistan.